Oprah to announce end of talk show on Friday

Those watching "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Nov. 20 are expected to hear Oprah say that her show will end on Sept. 9, 2011. After 25 seasons, the show will not go on.

The New York Daily News describes it as the "end of an era." Harpo Productions president Tim Bennett said in a letter:

Tomorrow, Oprah will announce live on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' that she has decided to end what is arguably one of the most popular, influential and enduring programs in television history. The sun will set on the 'Oprah' show as its 25th season draws to a close on September 9, 2011.

According to the NYDN, "While her daily ratings are not as big as they used to be - no show's are - its unlikely another daytime talk show will be able to replace the drawing power of "Oprah" anytime soon." Still, Oprah Winfrey's interview with Sarah Palin generated the show's biggest audience since 2007. However, according to the Chicago Tribune, "Speculation has been rampant that she might choose to leave daytime TV ever since it was announced in January 2008 that she and Discovery Networks planned to partner on a cable network: OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network." ABC News reports that Oprah told her staff about her decision late Thursday afternoon. An insider described to ABC News that the meeting was "emotional, supportive and respectful." According to ABC News, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will not move on to the OWN, but Oprah's next move is uncertain. It may be that on tomorrow's show Oprah will announce what is ahead for her. Stay tuned.